Jewels in the sand: Everything to know about Saudi truffle season

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Desert truffles contain a high amount of plant protein, comparable to that of tofu, making it a favorite among vegans and vegetarians. (AN photo)
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Updated 11 February 2021
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Jewels in the sand: Everything to know about Saudi truffle season

  • Saudi truffle experts decode the secrets of the elusive, highly prized ingredient

RIYADH: Almost two weeks into the year’s desert truffle season, successful hunters have started bringing their products to the market, and those looking for a tasty treat can finally get their hands on a fresh crop of earthy, savory goodness.

Known colloquially as the fage (pronounced with a hard, guttural “e”), the Terfeziaceae, or desert truffle, is a delicacy renowned across the Arabian Peninsula and certain parts of North Africa. It is popular in the region for its unique taste, like that of an earthy mushroom, and used in several traditional Arabic dishes.

The truffle also boasts certain health benefits. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) cited truffle water as a cure for certain maladies of the eye. Desert truffles also contain a high amount of plant protein, comparable to that of tofu, making it a favorite among vegans and vegetarians.

The desert truffle is a fungal plant found in the desert after heavy rainfall. True desert truffles only grow in areas close to the raqrooq plant, also known as the sunrose or rock rose. In the Kingdom, the best places to search are located in the deserts of Northern Saudi Arabia, near places such as Arar or Hafr Al-Batin. Outside of it, the truffles are found in the deserts of Iraq, Syria, Algeria, Libya and Mauritania.

According to truffle expert Faisal Al-Hazeini, truffle season begins somewhere around Jan. 25, and ends around March 10, giving truffle hunters a fairly narrow window in which to dig up, sift through and sell the produce.

“These truffles are considered somewhat rare, due to the scarcity of rain in the desert and the difficulty of acquiring a good specimen,” Al-Hazeini told Arab News. “Searching for truffles requires covering long stretches of desert, some of which are protected or restricted, such as border areas and nature preserves. Their growth is also dependent on how much it has rained in the desert each year, so it’s not impossible for a year or two to pass without the sufficient rain required to produce them.”

Though not as expensive as their Italian and European counterparts, their rarity makes them relatively pricey. A kilo of desert truffles can cost anywhere from SR 700 (around $186.6) to SR 1200, depending on their size, quality, color and the fruitfulness of the year’s crop.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Known colloquially as the fage (pronounced with a hard, guttural ‘e’), the Terfeziaceae, or desert truffle, is a delicacy renowned across the Arabian Peninsula and certain parts of North Africa.

• It is popular in the region for its unique taste, like that of an earthy mushroom, and used in several traditional Arabic dishes.

• The truffle also boasts certain health benefits. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) cited truffle water as a cure for certain maladies of the eye.

Desert truffles come in three main varieties: white, known as zubaidi; red; and the uncommon black, known as khulas. Each boasts its own unique flavor profile and price point.

Hamdan Al-Adyni, a vendor of exotic fruits and vegetables, told Arab News that one of the most difficult aspects of truffle hunting was determining the good truffles from the bad, since not every truffle they find in the wild is necessarily an edible one.

“A good truffle should be firm and should have a good smell, color and shape. Bad truffles are distinguished by discoloration, an unpleasant smell and an almost gelatinous texture,” he said. “The quality of the dirt also plays a role. An expert hunter can tell just by examining the dirt whether they are going to find a good crop or not,” he said.

Basheer Al-Ruwaili, another expert, told Arab News that the best places to buy them was at special, seasonal markets that can be found across the Kingdom in the spring.

“At truffle markets, you will encounter experienced dealers who will have fresh and newly extracted specimens. Though you may sometimes find sellers hawking them in trucks on the sides of the road, people should take extreme caution buying from them because they are of unknown sources and may have been exposed to improper storage, imported and therefore not as fresh, or gathered during previous seasons,” he said.

More importantly, once a crop of fresh truffles has been successfully procured, how would one go about preparing them for consumption?

Al-Ruwaili stressed that the truffles need to be properly scrubbed, to ensure that all of the dirt is removed from the crevices, before they are peeled and cooked.

“For me, the best way to cook them is by grilling them, while taking care to extract the water coming out of them to be used for homeopathic purposes,” he said. “Once they are properly cleaned and peeled, they can be roasted on coals with the addition of nothing but salt. Another way is to boil them in water until tender, then add salt and a little bit of ghee or cultured goat butter,” he said.

As for Al-Adyni, he suggests cooking them in broth, or adding them to kabsa, a traditional Saudi rice dish.

“There are many ways of serving and cooking a desert truffle, limited only by a person’s creativity,” he said.

Al-Adyni has a snapchat account, @aladyni2021, where he posts pictures and videos of his seasonal crops, his experiences hunting truffles during their seasons and the locations where they can be purchased.


Saudi deputy FM urges unified action on Sudan crisis at London conference

Updated 13 sec ago
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Saudi deputy FM urges unified action on Sudan crisis at London conference

  • Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security
  • Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire

LONDON: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khereiji called on Tuesday for intensified international efforts to end the conflict in Sudan during his address at the London Conference on Sudan.

Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“Our collective responsibility requires us to support the dialogue process, work toward a ceasefire, deliver urgent humanitarian aid and safeguard Sudan’s unity, institutions and territorial integrity,” he said.

Representing Saudi Arabia at the conference, Al-Khereiji was attending on behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, particularly through hosting the first and second talks. These negotiations resulted in the Jeddah Declaration on protecting civilians, a short-term ceasefire agreement that contained crucial humanitarian arrangements.

The second round also led to the creation of a humanitarian coordination platform under OCHA, the adoption of four confidence-building measures and a proposed resolution formula on military base issues.

In his address, Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire and comprehensive political solution. He added that neutralizing foreign interference would facilitate humanitarian operations — particularly the opening of safe corridors and the delivery of aid.

He warned against the formation of any parallel government or alternative political entity, calling such attempts illegitimate and damaging to Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.

“These actions undermine the political process and deepen national divisions,” he said.

The deputy foreign minister reiterated the Kingdom’s belief that a solution to the war must be Sudanese-led and based on respect for the country’s sovereignty, unity and the preservation of its state institutions.


Saudi citizen sentenced to five years in prison for electronic financial fraud

Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution. (@ppgovsa)
Updated 44 min 8 sec ago
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Saudi citizen sentenced to five years in prison for electronic financial fraud

  • The accused committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products for sale online

RIYADH: A Saudi citizen has been sentenced to five years in prison for financial fraud that defrauded 41 victims, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

An investigation carried out by the Financial Fraud Prosecution revealed that the accused had committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products through online sales outlets, deceiving victims into believing that goods were for sale, and then immediately blocking them after they transferred the required amounts to his bank account.

The Public Prosecution affirmed its commitment to protecting society from all financial fraud crimes and anyone who attempts to seize the money of others through fraud.


Saudi program supports farmers for rose sector growth

Updated 15 April 2025
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Saudi program supports farmers for rose sector growth

  • Saudi Reef is showcasing its achievements in developing the rose and aromatic plant sector during the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum in Taif
  • Goal is to reach 2 billion roses annually by 2026, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global rose producer

RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, is showcasing its achievements in developing the rose and aromatic plant sector during the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum in Taif.

The program highlights its efforts to grow this vital sector in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, focusing on food security, rural development, and improved agricultural efficiency, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Majed Al-Buraikan, Saudi Reef assistant secretary-general for media and communication, emphasized that the program’s participation supports national efforts to empower rose and aromatic plant farmers and promote its initiatives in the field.

He noted that Saudi Reef is a strategic partner in driving sustainable agricultural transformation, particularly in regions like Taif, Jazan, and Asir, known for their rose and aromatic plant production.

Al-Buraikan added that the program supports more than 400 farmers and has achieved a 34 percent rise in rose production over the past four years, reaching 960 million roses annually.

The goal is to reach 2 billion roses annually by 2026, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global rose producer, the SPA reported.

Meanwhile, the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture launched an initiative at the forum, distributing 15,000 tissue-cultured seedlings to promote sustainability and boost production.

The forum featured sessions on “Challenges of Taif rose cultivation” and “The future and challenges of medical tourism in the Kingdom.”

Scientific lectures covered topics such as sustainable development in rose use, carbon neutrality in the aromatic journey of the Taif rose, livelihood development for farmers, and the role of AI in enhancing product quality.

Arruddaf Park in Taif opens daily at 4 p.m. for visitors to explore the exhibition and enjoy the rose displays. The forum runs until April 26.


Madinah forum focuses on elevating pilgrim experience

Updated 15 April 2025
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Madinah forum focuses on elevating pilgrim experience

  • Governor highlights leadership’s commitment to enhancing spiritual journeys through innovation, development

MADINAH: Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of Madinah, attended the opening of the second Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

In his speech, Prince Salman emphasized the special attention given by the Saudi leadership to Makkah and Madinah, highlighting the ongoing development and construction efforts that reflect their religious, cultural and historical significance.

The three-day event, themed “Enriching the Experience of Umrah Performers and Visitors,” is held in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Salman reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to serving Islam by ensuring the comfort, safety and security of pilgrims.

He also discussed upgrades to the Prophet’s Mosque and nearby historic sites to deepen visitors’ spiritual connection and enhance their experience.

The forum, held at the King Salman International Convention Center until April 16, features more than 150 exhibitors from more than 100 countries.

Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors remains a top priority for the leadership, and pointed out that more than 122 million visitors performed Umrah during Ramadan with ease.

The forum features more than 50 workshops and dialogue sessions led by 100 speakers, alongside the signing of numerous agreements between relevant service providers — all aimed at enriching the overall experience of Umrah performers and visitors.

It aims to establish new standards for Umrah and visitor services through technological advances, digital transformation and sustainable sector investments.

An interactive exhibition displays innovative technical solutions and services, while workshops bring together decision-makers and experts to discuss development opportunities, present cutting-edge solutions aimed at improving the pilgrim experience and enhancing the sector’s overall efficiency.


Saudi center adopts advanced artery stent technique

KFSHRC has treated patients with below-the-knee peripheral artery stenosis and occlusion. (SPA)
Updated 15 April 2025
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Saudi center adopts advanced artery stent technique

  • Procedure involves inserting a bioresorbable stent through a catheter in the thigh, avoiding open surgery
  • It restores blood flow, relieves pain, speeds wound healing and significantly reduces amputation risk

RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center has treated patients with below-the-knee peripheral artery stenosis and occlusion using a minimally invasive, next-generation technique.

The procedure involves inserting a bioresorbable stent through a catheter in the thigh, avoiding open surgery, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It restores blood flow, relieves pain, speeds wound healing and significantly reduces amputation risk.

The center is the first in the Kingdom — and the third worldwide outside the US — to adopt the advanced treatment method, the SPA added.

Implemented at the center in Riyadh and Jeddah, the technique uses a stent that dissolves naturally after restoring blood flow, eliminating the need for a permanent implant and reducing long-term complications.

The approach also improves circulation and shortens recovery time, helping patients regain mobility faster, according to the SPA.

The center plans to expand research and collaborate with global institutions to evaluate long-term outcomes, and advance treatment protocols for peripheral vascular disease.

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